Wine Focus on the `05 Yalumba Y Series Viognier, S Australia.

[Bob Parsons Alberta]

I have been a big fan of this wine for a number of years and have been rarely disappointed. This is their entry level viognier and would seem to be readily available. Cost up here is $16.00 Cdn.

14.5% alc, SC.

Colour. Medium straw w. just a tinge of lemon showing. Legs start to run after 30 seconds.

Nose. Has been opened half hour. Wow, tons of sulphur and smell of burnt matches. Never experienced this bad. It is tough to find the honeysuckle or apricot with this diversion!!

Palate. Tastes better than it smells! But there is definately an odd flavor on the finish. Acdity comes through and some lycee and apricot, but it all seems too one-dimensional this time around. Not at all fruit generous, an off bottle for sure or is it the dreaded screwcap?!!
I have had many better experiences in the past, thats for sure.

*** after 24 hrs (vacu-vin), nose has improved but little mid-palate. Some bitterness on the finish, not pleasant.

[Sue Courtney]

Hi Bob, I tasted this wine on 17th May and here's my notes.

Yalumba 'Y' Series Viognier 2005
Waikarei (Riverlands area), South Australia

Light bright gold in colour, it seemed a little muted at first but opened up well with citrus blossoms and apricot on the nose. I found it to be quite a crisp, phenolic style with alcoholic heat, a citrus spiciness, lemon butter lollies and a slightly toffee-ish orange-liqueur (Curacao) flavour character to the finish. Medium to full-bodied, by the end of the glass it was actually quite more-ish as a drink. 14.5% alc. Screwcap closure. NZ$14.95, which is about US$9 and CAN$10 at todays rates.

Definitely didn't experience the sulphur that you did, although this could be what muted the wine at first. My wine was not chilled, although it was late autumn in May, so outside temps pretty low compared to what you would be getting right now.

Cheers,
Sue

[Jenise]

Bob, something I've been meaning to ask you for a long time is about your observation of the legs on a wine. Most of your reports include that. What conclusions do you draw from what you see? Why are legs important (vs. simply knowing the abv)?

[Bob Parsons Alberta]

Jenise, I guess I am a leg man!!!!!
I just like looking at them.......as I swirl my glass. I know it is all about physics and has no real relevance. Question of habit I guess.

[Bob Parsons Alberta]

Sue, I noticed your note on the `05 colour. Light gold? Nowhere near that in my notes!!! That is what makes this so much fun eh.

[Jenise]

Okay, interesting. And a good answer--wasn't trying to put you on the spot. I just don't pay any attention to the legs. Probably always in too big a hurry to get to that first sip!

[James Dietz]

Yeah, year in and year out, this bottling seems to be very good. And since the price is always less than $10, I don't know why I don't buy more of it.. a great choice for folks who don't think they like dry white wines too...